Northstar Service Guarantee extended through February

MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 2) – Metro Transit's program backing its commitment to reliable service on the Northstar Commuter Rail Line will be extended through the end of February.

Since the beginning of the year, commuters who registered for the Northstar Service Guarantee program have been eligible for refunded fares on any regularly-scheduled weekday trip that arrives at the Big Lake or Target Field stations 11 or more minutes late. About 97 percent of Northstar trips arrived within five minutes of schedule in January, affirming Northstar’s convenience and reliability for existing, new and returning riders.

Nearly 700 Northstar customers have signed up for the Northstar Service Guarantee program to date. Program participants eligible for reimbursements from January trips can expect them by mid-February.

Customers who have yet to register can enroll at metrotransit.org any time during February.

"At the heart of our Service Guarantee, it is not about returning fares," said General Manager Brian Lamb. "It is about proving that we put in place needed improvements to make things better for our riders. With Northstar's benefits, we are proving that it is one of the most convenient and consistent travel options for the communities we serve."

Since planned track maintenance concluded this fall, Northstar delays have been limited. Track maintenance was led by BNSF to improve safety and reliability along the corridor. BNSF owns the tracks on which Northstar operates and oversees freight and passenger rail operations on the corridor.

The Northstar Commuter Rail Line offers service between Big Lake and downtown Minneapolis, where riders connect with bus and light rail lines to reach destinations throughout the Twin Cities. Northstar stations are located in Elk River, Ramsey, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Fridley and Target Field.

Northstar Link provides connecting express bus service between Big Lake and St. Cloud.